93. Bertha Lake

 Distance: 11km

Elevation gain: 460m

Seonju, Sally and we set out in a more relaxed fashion today since our big hike was done. Once again, the burnt trees allowed lots of sunshine and views. The fireweed was ready to bloom and cover the hillsides.

The falls were beautiful. Then we discovered the bridge was still washed out from the fire so we followed Herm up a steep cross country junction to join a horse trail and continue.

The special flower on this trail was the queen's cup.

 

 The tiring amount of uphill and pesky horseflies was balanced with the continuous fluttering company of colourful butterflies (fritillary, police car, and swallowtail) and beautiful flowers until we finally reached the lake.

The beach was along another edge so we continued in order to eat and swim in style.

92. Crypt Lake

 Distance: 17.4 km return

Elevation gain: 675m

On Monday, July 12, we eagerly got up early to catch the first boat to the trailhead of Crypt Lake. We had done the easy hikes yesterday so as not to be tired today. Although we had done this hike about 25 years ago with Elise, Nate, Melisa and Jen, I only remembered that it was good.

There were several gorgeous falls along the way.

interesting rocks and creeks,

many beautiful and plentiful butterflies, fritillaries and the largest - swallowtail

and a beautiful, well travelled, single lane trail with great views.

We saw many clumps of bear grass but no flower stalks until we were quite near the top and then were very happy to see a few. They bloom profusely every 7th year and this was not one of them.

 One thrill of the trail is how they built it so we could get to the lake. First, up a ladder,

then, through a long, low tunnel,

then with a chain for security along a narrowish ledge.

Finally, we arrived at the lake. Many of the hikers went in for a brief swim as the ice had been gone for a few weeks already.

What a refreshing dip and lots of time to dry off while we ate lunch on a comfortable log.

After a luxurious rest, we made our way back down, and were happy to find that a boat had come early and we didn't have to wait long. What a wonderful hike.

91a. Bear's Hump

Distance: 2.4 km return

Elevation gain: 225 metres

Another short hike brought us up the Bear's Hump, a good viewpoint over the town and Prince of Wales hotel. It was easy to do after the Bellevue Prairie hike although I almost backed out due to a little rain.

In 2017, Waterton was seriously damaged in forest fires. Bare trees stood out all over above green undergrowth. The positive side was that the views were extra good, negative side - less shade.

More beautiful flowers as we hiked up the wide, busy trail but the most surprising was the mock orange; first one bush and then much of the mountainside. I guess it was trying to make up for the lack of blooming bear grass this year.

The Prince of Wales Hotel was saved during the fire and makes a splendid view from on top of the bear's hump.

And just to prove we got to the top:

91. Bellevue Prairie Walk

 Distance: a few kilometres

Elevation: negligible

On July 11, 2021 we returned to Waterton after about 19 years. We camped with Seonju and Sally and decided to do a couple short hikes before joining them Sunday afternoon.

Bellevue prairie hike was like a walk in a garden; we walked slowly, admired and tried to name all the flowers we saw.

The roses were easy. They were interesting because they changed colour in different areas.

The bergamot was the most common and was interesting because a sign warned us of transporting spotted knapweed seed and it looks very much like bergamot.

Of course, we ate lunch there soaking in the flat surroundings, birds and ground squirrels.

There were a few flowers which we could not identify and also saw later on other hikes.

Then we hurried back to escape the rising wind and threatening clouds.

 

It was a beautiful little walk and should be repeated at other seasons.